Auckland site proposed for National Erebus Memorial

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage will be putting forward a proposal to the Waitemata Local Board for the National Erebus Memorial to be constructed at Dove-Myer Robinson Park / Taurarua Pā in Auckland, commonly known as the Parnell Rose Gardens.

Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Jacinda Ardern says, “I’m really pleased with the progress towards the creation of the Memorial. Erebus remains one of New Zealand's worst civil disasters, and the Memorial will recognise this event and honour the memory of those who died.

“The team at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage has been working closely with the families of the Erebus victims, to understand what they would like, as well as considering the requirements of a National Memorial.

“The Ministry has also been working with Auckland Council, iwi, and community groups to select an appropriate site,” Jacinda Ardern said.

The team also surveyed families of the Erebus victims and received feedback which has helped guide the selection of the site for the Memorial.

“The view of families has been key around site selection,” says Manatū Taonga, Ministry for Culture and Heritage Acting Chief Executive Renee Graham.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says it’s appropriate to commemorate the victims of one of this country’s most tragic events in this way, and for the Memorial to be in Auckland.

“Dove-Myer Robinson Park / Taurarua Pā is a beautiful site. We’re pleased to have proposal that meets the wishes of many family members of the Erebus victims and acknowledges that the flight left from Auckland.

“Feedback included that the site be a place of peaceful contemplation and reflection and a place for informal family gatherings.

“A proposal for this site will be submitted to the Waitemata Local Board next week. Any approval by the Board will be in principle at this stage.”

The 40th anniversary of the Erebus accident will be marked in November 2019. The Memorial will be established in early 2020.